Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen : Buildinghttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/tags/Building/default.aspxTags: BuildingenCommunityServer 2.1 SP1 (Debug Build: 61019.2)A Sneak Peak at the New Teatro de Playa del Carmenhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2013/02/07/a-sneak-peak-at-the-new-teatro-de-playa-del-carmen.aspxThu, 07 Feb 2013 11:00:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:1776883Rob Kinnon0http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/1776883.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=1776883http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=1776883
<p>Last week, I was invited to tag along with a group from Explayarte to check out the new Teatro de la Ciudad (the theatre of the city) being built in the Ejido, next to the big Walmart on the Arco Vial. This one of several ambitious municipal projects being completed by the Municipal Government of Solidaridad. The invite came to us as a part of a new social program, also initiated by the current administration, called &quot;Compartimos Logros&quot; which roughly translated means <em>Sharing Our Successes</em>. That is exactly what the Municipal President and his cabinet are attempting to do, actually show the residents of Solidaridad where their tax dollars are going. </p>
<p>So, bright and early Saturday morning, we were transported by van to the work site, to see for ourselves how the project was coming along and what we could expect from this exciting new performance space. We arrived onsite and were all given stylish hard hats to wear and given a brief overview of the many plans the sitting Municipal President has for the area and the efforts the administration is making to improve the lives of their constituents. Our hosts for the day were representatives from the &quot;Compartimos Logros&quot; program and several engineers working on the theatre and project leaders from the Municipality. <br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de la Ciudad" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_9965.jpg" title="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de la Ciudad" width="505" /> <br />
Shane and Martina rockin&#39; the hard hats!<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de la Ciudad Solidaridad" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_9969.jpg" title="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de la Ciudad Solidaridad" width="505" />&nbsp;</p>
<p><img alt="Explayarte Visit the New Teatro de la Ciudad" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_9974.jpg" title="Explayarte Visit the New Teatro de la Ciudad" width="505" /> <br />
Getting an overview of the master plan and the scale model<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Teatro del la Ciudad Playa del Carmen" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_9986.jpg" title="Teatro del la Ciudad Playa del Carmen" width="505" /> <br />
<br />
Going over the specs and plans, our group had a lot of questions about the space and the systems it would contain particularly in regard to accommodations for live bands and orchestras. While the dance schools in the area use recorded music for their recitals and shows, Explayarte exclusively uses a live orchestra to accompany their productions so having a dedicated space for the musicians and the conductor is a high priority. The current design does not include an orchestra pit but after our concerns were heard, the engineer assured us that they would address the issue and had some ideas about how to adjust the seating space just in front of the proscenium to make it suitable for that use. It was nice to see everyone so engaged and excited about the project, not only our merry crew but the engineers as well!<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Teatro de la Ciudad Playa del Carmen" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_9988.jpg" title="Teatro de la Ciudad Playa del Carmen" width="505" />&nbsp;</p>
<p><img alt="Solidaridad Compartimos Logros" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_9994.jpg" title="Solidaridad Compartimos Logros" width="505" /> <br />
Sergio Tolosa explains the projected timeline for this ambitious project and the types of events the city is hoping to attract to Playa del Carmen.<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Solidaridad Compartimos Logros" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_0001.jpg" title="Solidaridad Compartimos Logros" width="505" /> <br />
Inside the theatre in what will be the lower level seating area. The theatre holds 780.....minus whatever seats need to be removed to allow for the orchestra of course. ;)<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de Playa del Carmen" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_0008.jpg" title="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de Playa del Carmen" width="505" />&nbsp;</p>
<p>The project leaders had hoped to have the theatre completed by June but at this point, due to unusual winter weather delays, it looks more like September. Explayarte, Coppelias, On Stage and all the other dance and performing arts schools in the region are all looking forward to having this modern, fully equipped performance space to use for their productions next winter. Certainly, the stage and backstage spaces, the lighting, sound and fly systems will give us all a lot more flexibility when it comes to the scope of the productions we all can design and launch. Its location, right off of the public transportation lines will make it accessible for Playa residents from all over the city.<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Teatro de la Ciudad Compartimos Logros Solidaridad" height="505" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/DSC_0003.jpg" title="Teatro de la Ciudad Compartimos Logros Solidaridad" width="335" /> <br />
The structure that will house the fly system and catwalks<br />
</p>
<p><img alt="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de la Ciudad" height="365" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Theatro%20de%20la%20Ciudad%20Playa/ExplayarteGroup2.jpg" title="Explayarte Visits the New Teatro de la Ciudad" width="505" /> <br />
Explayarte and the Municipal Government of Solidaridad: Partners in supporting the arts in Playa del Carmen</p>
<p>Included in the new public works projects are this new 780 seat state
of the art theatre, a new building to house the Municipal offices and
the Portada Maya which is the dramatic new sculpture erected in the
Parque los Fundadores by the Cozumel ferry dock. Recently completed is a brand new community center in
the colosio with, among other things, a covered basketball court, a fully equipped and staffed recording studio and classrooms for continuing
education. There will be different classes offered for the community
such as food and beverage preparation and management, sewing and
clothing design and much more.&nbsp; </p>
<p>It really does appear as if this administration is doing its very best to improve the lives of the citizens it serves. Even those with a skeptical view of the workings of government can&#39;t help but agree that the Municipality of Solidaridad is leading the way toward a more transparent system in which the constituents are welcomed and encouraged to make suggestions and participate. It makes me feel very hopeful for the future of Playa del Carmen.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img align="left" alt="Michele Kinnon" height="125" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Michele120x120.jpg" title="Michele Kinnon" width="120" /><em></em></p>
<p>&nbsp;<em><br />
I moved to Mexico with my family in 2004 with the hope of offering our children a more global education and world view. Since then, we have traveled through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, gathering friends and life experiences and learning a lot about ourselves along the way. When we are not out and about exploring, Rob and I own and operate BuyPlaya, a <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com" title="Playa del Carmen real estate listings" target="_blank">Playa del Carmen real estate</a> company and <a href="http://www.furnituremex.com" target="_blank">FurnitureMex</a>. <strong>&quot;Life&#39;s a Beach&quot;</strong> is a catch-all blog where you may find anything from restaurant reviews, to recipes, gardening tips, commentary about expat daily life, local events, information about <a href="http://www.playadelcarmen-real-estate.com" target="_blank">moving to Mexico</a> and educating children in Playa del Carmen. You can also find me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/michelekinnon" title="Michele Kinnon on Facebook" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BuyPlaya" title="Michele Kinnon tweets as @BuyPlaya" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://plus.google.com/101189421927861540437/about" rel="author" title="Michele Kinnon on Google+" target="_blank">Google+</a>.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=1776883" width="1" height="1">Community Development Playa del Carmen Family LifeBuildingCulture2013Building in Mexico - Mitch and Sev - Part 3http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/10/12/building-in-mexico-mitch-and-sev-part-3.aspxTue, 12 Oct 2010 21:34:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:774323Rob Kinnon1http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/774323.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=774323http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=774323<p>I was super curious about how the dry cenote was looking now that it had been opened up a bit, so Mitch and I took a trip down to the job site. A few decisions needed to be made about the retaining wall for the cenote stairs and the &quot;jumping platform&quot; at the end of the pool. Sev had worked up some new drawings that Jeff would need to move forward. Lots of progress made in the past week. It&#39;s really starting to look like a house now! </p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct720101.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /> <br />The frame and track for the main gate and door are done and covered in plywood for now.</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct720102.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct720104.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201013.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br />Retaining wall for the shallow end of the pool. Plumbing and lighting begins as well.<br /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201019.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br />Matching retaining walls for the &quot;hot tub&quot; and the stairs to the cenote </p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201023.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br />The stairs have been completed<br /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201024.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="300" /><br />Into the abyss<br /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201027.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br />The cenote getting cleaned out...but what to do with the space?<br /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201026.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201028.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="300" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201016.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%207%202010/MitchsHouseOct7201017.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p>Next step, the second floor goes on. Stay tuned...... <br /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=774323" width="1" height="1">Real EstateBuyer InformationMayan Riviera CenotesBuildingXpu Ha2010What Lies Beneath.....http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/10/08/riviera-maya-cenotes.aspxFri, 08 Oct 2010 13:00:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:768809Rob Kinnon1http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/768809.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=768809http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=768809<p>So, I though you all might like to see what some of the cenotes look like that have been found in our little Xpu Ha neighborhood. This is the cenote that is on Jeff&#39;s lot. He is Mitch and Sev&#39;s builder and has completed several homes in the same enclave. His experience dealing with his own cenote has given him invaluable insight as to what they can bring to the process....the good and the bad. With his own property, be decided to make the cenote a real center-point for the back yard plan. As you can see, the pool is built around it with the entertainment palapa (that&#39;s a fancy word for bar) serving as an observation point and entry point. </p><p>When the opening was found, it was considerably smaller. Jeff decided to enlarge the entry point in order to build a staircase down into the cave. The cavern has been dug out slowly over time and sand brought in to make paths and a more comfortable sitting areas. One of the nicest features is a waterfall created by a recirculating pump which keeps the water in the cave fresh and algae free. It is incredibly dramatic. </p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/RanchoSanMartin1124-1.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="300" /> <br /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/RanchoSanMartin1134.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/RanchoSanMartin1126.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/RanchoSanMartin1128-1.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="300" /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/RanchoSanMartin1131-1.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="300" /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/RanchoSanMartin1130-1.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="300" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/JeffsPlaces28.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="300" /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/JeffsPlaces30.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/JeffsPlaces33.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/JeffsPlaces35.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/JeffsPlaces40.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/JeffsPlaces36.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" /><br /><br /><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/JeffsPlaces34.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Cenotes" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Jeffs%20Houses%20Cenotes/RanchoSanMartin1132.jpg" title="Cenotes" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=768809" width="1" height="1">Buyer InformationMayan Riviera InvestingFamily LifeCenotesBuildingXpu Ha2010Building in Mexico - Mitch and Sev - Part 2http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/10/06/building-in-mexico-mitch-and-sev-part-2.aspxWed, 06 Oct 2010 13:00:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:768779Rob Kinnon1http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/768779.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=768779http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=768779<p>I had hoped to be able to post an update before now but life somehow got in the way. Lots of progress being made on site as you will see from the photo update. One big surprise since <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/08/21/construction-and-building-in-mexico-.aspx" title="Part 1" target="_blank">our last blog entry</a>...a dry cenote was uncovered near (but not in) the shallow end of the pool. The opening has been enlarged a bit for ease of entry and an open space has been found that could be suitable for use as a fun subterranean reading area or meditation room. A wine cellar was suggested but I think the heat and the humidity will not be suitable for keeping wine at a consistently cool temperature. From this opening there is a tunnel that runs out quite a distance, out past the boundaries of the lot. One of the workmen has climbed through quite a way but there is a drop off that will require bringing in a ladder of sorts if they are to investigate any further. It&#39;s pretty neat but not as cool as the cenote that the builder, Jeff, has at his house. I&#39;ll post some pictures of that soon....</p><p>The good news is, the location of the cenote will not in anyway impede the construction or the integrity of the building. Work has been progressing quickly. Sev has been here for the past month so he and Mitch have been spending a lot of time on site making decisions on interior wood for doors and cabinetry, tiles and other finishes. The plans for the electrics and plumbing have also been finalized.</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October117.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October118.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October119.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /> <br /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October110.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October12.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October123.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October126.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October135.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October133.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October137.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October138.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October116.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="335" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October121.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Oct%201%202010/October122.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=768779" width="1" height="1">Real EstateBuyer InformationMayan Riviera InvestingFamily LifeBuildingXpu Ha2010Building in Mexico - Mitch and Sev - Part 1http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/08/21/construction-and-building-in-mexico-.aspxSat, 21 Aug 2010 13:00:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:736942Rob Kinnon7http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/736942.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=736942http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=736942<p>As some of you may know, Rob and I have finally decided to settle down and build our home in Mexico. Almost by accident, we found the perfect neighborhood in Xpu Ha, in the jungle about 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. The lots are good sized, very reasonably priced, the development is gorgeous and all the services we need are available, including wireless internet. We are 5 minutes from the beach in Xpu Ha, 10 minutes to Akumal and close to dozens of cenotes. </p><p>We have quite a few friends who have also been turned on to this little piece of paradise, including our good friends Mitch and Sev. Rob and I are well into the design process of our dream home in the jungle (a process I plan to carefully document as we go along) but Mitch and Sev have already started their build and have invited us to follow along on the blog. Over the past few weeks the lot was surveyed and cleared, the pool dug and the front wall started. This week, we drove down to watch them pour the foundation. </p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Clearing%20the%20Lot/RanchoSanMartin196.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug12201022.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug12201020.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug1220106.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug1220102.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug1220108.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug12201011.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug12201014.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br /><br /><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug12201010.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br /><br /><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Mitchs%20Build%20Aug%2013%202010/Aug12201017.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br /><br /><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Carlos%20on%20the%20lots%201/WalkingthelotwithCarlos032.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br /><br /><img alt="Building in Mexico" height="300" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Rancho%20San%20Teresita/Clearing%20the%20Lot/RanchoSanMartin187.jpg" title="Building in Mexico" width="448" /><br /><br />It&#39;s amazing how quickly everything is moving forward and I am really itching to get started on our own build. Although, we are already well initiated to building in Mexico having completed the condos at Marina Turquesa in Puerto Aventuras, I&#39;m sure there will be many challenges that pop up along the way. Rob and I are working with one of the most well known architects in the region and I have full confidence that we are in good hands. Mitch and Sev have designed their own home and are utilizing a local builder who lives in the neighborhood to do the construction. He has built several beautiful homes in this development and they are all lovely. It will be interesting to see how our projects compare in costs and build times and documenting the whole process. I hope you will all enjoy following along.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/10/06/building-in-mexico-mitch-and-sev-part-2.aspx" title="Part 2" target="_blank">Building in Mexico - Mitch and Sev - Part 2</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/10/08/riviera-maya-cenotes.aspx" title="Cenotes" target="_blank">What Lies Beneath...Riviera Maya Cenotes</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/10/12/building-in-mexico-mitch-and-sev-part-3.aspx" title="Part 3" target="_blank">Building in Mexico - Mitch and Sev - Part 3</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=736942" width="1" height="1">Real EstateMarket ConditionsBuyer InformationMayan Riviera Family LifeBuildingXpu Ha2010Biointensive Gardening in Playa del Carmenhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2010/03/02/biointensive-gardening-in-playa-del-carmen.aspxTue, 02 Mar 2010 16:55:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:624280Rob Kinnon5http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/624280.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=624280http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=624280<p>One Saturday every month, <strong><a href="http://www.akluum.com" title="Ak Lu&#39;um International School" target="_blank">Ak Lu&#39;um International School</a></strong> hosts a workshop called Sustainable Saturdays in which the public is invited to come and get some hands on experience learning about sustainable building and living techniques that can be implemented here on the Riviera Maya. They have dabbled in waddle and daub construction, composting toilets and this last seminar introduced us to Biointensive Gardening. Because the entire Yucatan peninsula is essentially one big limestone shelf, good rich soil is tough to come by. So much so in fact that the only way to create a fertile environment for proper gardening is through composting and utilizing bio intensive gardening techniques. As we will very soon have quite large landscaping/gardening tasks laid before us (more info to come...) my pal Mitch and I decided to attend this workshop in order to glean as much knowledge as possible from local gardeners before we embark on our own projects. </p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico11.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /><br />Clearing the bed of rocks and debris<br /></p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico33.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /> <br />Laying down dried leaves and other organic matter<br /></p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico38.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /> <br />A final layer of well composted soil<br /></p><p>We got our hands dirty preparing a small garden bed located behind the preschool bathroom, an area already home to several lovely papaya trees but otherwise unkempt. We raked through the soil, removing rocks and debris by hand until we had reached the limestone below. Several cenote holes were found which we filled with rocks to prevent anyone from stepping in and breaking an ankle. The ground was then liberally strewn with leaves and other organic matter collected from the surrounding jungle floor, covered with a layer of sascab (coarse construction sand) to promote drainage and then a layer of soil created from the compost bins maintained by the school. This will now be allowed to rest and later planted with vegetables and herbs to support the small school kitchen that feeds the students daily.</p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico40.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /> <br />Stacy&#39;s nursery in an old cooking oil container<br /></p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico44.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico48.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /> <br />Transplanting seedlings into tetrapaks<br /></p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico6.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" />&nbsp;</p><p>Our leader, expat, Ak Lu&#39;um parent and owner of <a href="http://www.bambusur.net/" title="BambuSur" target="_blank">BambuSur</a>, Stacy Koeckeritz. lead the workshop, offered up information from her experiences gardening at their homes in Chiapas and brought along a small library of reference books for our perusal. She showed us how to create perfect cultivation boxes out of the tetrapak cartons that are so prevalent in Mexico and how to carefully transfer seedlings. We wandered the jungle surrounding the school grounds admiring the passion fruit vines, the papaya trees, banana, wild cotton and prehistoric tarro. It was amazing to see what can be grown successfully in this region. After several hours of hard work, we finished up the day with a delicious home cooked lunch featuring Stacy&#39;s wonderful pan de calabaza. </p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico49.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /> <br />Pineapples trees being started<br /></p><p><img alt="Gardening in Mexico" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/Organic%20Gardening%20%20Ak%20Luum/BiointensiveGardeningMexico7.jpg" title="Gardening in Mexico" width="448" /> <br />Lunch time!!<br /></p><p>I can&#39;t wait to get moving on my own gardening project and see if any of our favorites from home will adapt to this growing climate. So many exciting ideas ahead of us! We are definitely looking forward to the next installment in the Biointensive Gardening series!<br /></p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=624280" width="1" height="1">Community Family LifeSchoolsBuildingFunCompostingGardening2010Sustainable Living Workshops in Playa del Carmenhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2009/10/05/sustainable-living-workshops-in-playa-del-carmen.aspxTue, 06 Oct 2009 04:41:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:553181Rob Kinnon1http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/553181.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=553181http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=553181<p>Starting October 24th 2009, Ak Lu&#39;um School will host a series of Sustainable Living Workshops in coordination with BambuSur, a locally owned, ecologically responsible building company. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about sustainable building techniques and materials and eco-friendly systems. The cost of each workshop is $250 pesos per person including a vegetarian lunch. Child care and activities are available for $100 pesos per child. (ages 3 and up)<br /></p><p>To reserve a place, email Stacy at bambusur@yahoo.com or call 984-128-1765 (English and Spanish spoken) <br /></p><p>&nbsp;<img alt="Sustainable Living Workshops" height="600" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/SustainableSaturdayIntroFlierwLogos.jpg" title="Sustainable Living Workshops" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Sustainable Living Workshops" height="351" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/PrimerTallerdeSabadosSustentables.jpg" title="Sustainable Living Workshops" width="469" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Ak Lu&#39;um Map" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/e76ab4ad.jpg" title="Ak Lu&#39;um Map" width="336" />&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=553181" width="1" height="1">EventsCommunity Mayan Riviera Family LifeSchoolsBuildingGardeningPlaya del Carmen Construction Update August 2009http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2009/08/22/playa-del-carmen-construction-update-august-2009.aspxSat, 22 Aug 2009 16:46:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:511278Rob Kinnon5http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/511278.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=511278http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=511278<p>It seems to be kind of a slow summer in terms of construction. Lots of projects that we had been following are now completed and delivered, leaving just a handful still in the works. Still no movement at Blume and Vaiven. I&#39;ll be curious to see what happens there. We&#39;ve got a new residential complex, Rincon, going up next to Rioja on the back side of Playacar Phase 2. They are working on the &quot;entrada&quot; but nothing really to show yet. </p><p>First up is <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2009/07/24/grand-reception-for-the-new-showroom-at-el-taj-beachfront-condominiums.aspx" title="El Taj Beachfront Reception" target="_blank">El Taj Beachfront</a> where we were recently treated to a lovely evening hosted by the developer to celebrate the opening of the model showroom. They are going full&nbsp;steam ahead&nbsp;here in hopes to be ready for the high season buyers. As are all the sister properties, El Taj Beachfront&nbsp;will be&nbsp;lovely and stylish with the developer&#39;s signature Balinese design elements. Plans for a beach club are in the works, complete with an onsite dive shop.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-025.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-032.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-038.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>Sondokan - The Lofts is nearly completed on Avenida 10, just a few minutes from Shangrila Beach. Like all of the properties from this developer, it is sleek and chic.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-005.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>By the same developer, Casa Blanca is moving along slowly as they race to complete other properties before the holidays.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-012.jpg" style="width:336px;height:448px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="336" /></p><p>Costa Fina in the center of downtown on Avenida 15, just next to <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1915691&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Liv-Blu" target="_blank">Liv-Blu</a>,&nbsp;has come&nbsp;up very quickly. Lots of glass and natural light in these units.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-019.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=2799749&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Doca" target="_blank">Doca</a> on Avenida 10 near the stadium is just gorgeous. Notice the cool blue pool on the roof overhanging the street. The patios will all have jacuzzis! I&#39;m looking forward to getting in to the model unit.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-054.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>El Faro is till chugging along and putting on the finishing touches. They filled the pool but don&#39;t seem to have budgeted to have it maintained. Not a great impression if they are hoping to make sales. The crew at Wicky&#39;s is ready to go and just waiting for the green light from the developer. Wicky&#39;s will be catering the VIP tent this year for <a href="http://www.tasteofplaya.com" title="Taste of Playa 2009" target="_blank">Taste of Playa</a>. We are all looking forward to getting a taste of what this new restaurant will bring to Playa&#39;s culinary scene.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-020.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-024.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>We have a few new hotels in the mix, the second In Fashion Hotel is going up quickly on Avenida 15, an interesting as yet unnamed hotel is moving along quickly on Avenida 1 at Calle 24 and we have finally identified the following property as Hotel Reina Roca. This one is next to Playalingua Language School on Calle 20.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/August%202009/ConstUpdateAUG09-043.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>For the next installment, I am going to head south to Puerto Aventuras to see what&#39;s new there. Also, I&#39;d like to check out the progress at the new Melia being built in the north end. It looks to be mammoth!! Stay tuned.....</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=511278" width="1" height="1">Market ConditionsFor SaleBuyer InformationPlaya del Carmen Real EstateLuxury Real EstateCondominiumsDevelopment Playa del Carmen BuildingHotels2009Grand Reception for the New Showroom at El Taj Beachfront Condominiumshttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2009/07/24/grand-reception-for-the-new-showroom-at-el-taj-beachfront-condominiums.aspxFri, 24 Jul 2009 21:31:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:499500Rob Kinnon1http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/499500.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=499500http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=499500<p>Tuesday evening, long time Playa del Carmen resident and the area&#39;s most recognizable developer, Jack Perlman,&nbsp;invited the local Real Estate community to the job site&nbsp;at El Taj Oceanfront Condominiums to celebrate the completion of the beautiful model showroom. Everyone is familiar with Jack&#39;s very popular residential buildings. The condominiums at Villas SacBe, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, El Taj&nbsp;Beachside and now El Taj&nbsp;Oceanfront all reflect Jack&#39;s signature style and his passion for Balinese design elements. Jack personally oversees all the details for each building project and regularly ships&nbsp;over containers from Indonesia loaded with fountains, architectural details, lighting fixtures, decorative accessories&nbsp;and&nbsp;furniture used to complete the image that he is so well known for. His projects are inarguably some of the best loved and most sought after in Playa del Carmen and we were excited to get inside for a sneak peak of his latest creation.</p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-23.jpg" style="width:336px;height:448px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="336" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-7.jpg" style="width:336px;height:448px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="336" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-5.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-1.jpg" style="width:336px;height:448px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="336" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-22.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>As expected, Jack was the consumate host, meeting and greeting and answering questions while the crowd enjoyed the culinary creations of Chef Roberto from Cocina 38, one of Playa del Carmen&#39;s finest restaurants. Roberto and Lisa&#39;s carefully orchestrated crew served wine and passed hors d&#39;oeuvres which were, without question, some of the best I have ever enjoyed in Playa. Dinner was a casually elegant affair set right on the&nbsp;beach and illuminated&nbsp;by the glow&nbsp;of&nbsp;oil lamps and the setting sun. Guests helped themselves to an upscale BBQ buffet and appreciated the greatest assets of El Taj: the sugary white sand beach and the crystal blue Caribbean Sea. Jack introduced his team, described the new project for us and raffled off a host of fabulous prizes for his party guests. </p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-20.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="Ej Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-17.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="Ej Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-16.jpg" style="width:336px;height:448px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="336" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-18.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="448" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-15.jpg" style="width:336px;height:448px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="336" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-8.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p><img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEstate.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>&nbsp;<img alt="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="336" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/El%20Taj%20Playa%20del%20Carmen/ElTajCondosPlayadelCarmenRealEst-10.jpg" style="width:448px;height:336px;" title="El Taj Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="448" /></p><p>Thank you Jack and everyone at Playa Associates for hosting such a lovely reception. I highly recommend a visit to Cocina 38 for more of the fresh ingredients and unique flavors that we were treated to at this event. It was truly a top notch evening.</p><p>Desirable units are still available for sale at Maya Villa and El Taj Condominiums. Please contact us today for more information and a current list of prices.<br /></p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=499500" width="1" height="1">Real EstateFor SaleEventsPlaya del Carmen Real EstateLuxury Real EstateCondominiumsDevelopment Beachfront Playa del Carmen Building2009Playa del Carmen Construction Update - May/June 2009http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2009/05/28/playa-del-carmen-construction-update-may-2009.aspxThu, 28 May 2009 14:44:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:471330Rob Kinnon1http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/471330.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=471330http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=471330<p>I will never cease to be surprised by the twists and turns of&nbsp;the development industry&nbsp;in Playa del Carmen. While the rest of Mexico is reeling from the whole Swine Flu debacle and&nbsp;most businesses&nbsp;are&nbsp;scrambling for money, it seems that Real Estate in Playa del Carmen is as hot as ever. Almost all of the projects that have sat dormant during the alleged &quot;high season&quot; are now back in the game with lots of movement on the work sites! This is completely unexpected and certainly a positive sign for those of us in the industry concerned about our earning potential this year. Investors take note: the drop in prices and fire-sales we have seen over the past few months may be coming to an end sooner than we anticipated! A new initiative to&nbsp;relax the restrictions for foreign property ownership may also drive prices up as more an more buyers flood in from the north.</p><p>Let&#39;s start with the project updates&nbsp;that<strong><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/default.aspx" title="Life&#39;s a Beach Blog Homepage" target="_blank"> &quot;Life&#39;s a Beach&quot;</a></strong> readers have requested:</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=2799749&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Doca" target="_blank">Doca</a></strong> - From the developers of Akoya, Haab, Arena, Deva and Mamitas Village, this new project is getting a lot of attention from buyers who have already invested in their previous endeavors and are looking for the same top level finishes and attention to detail. <br /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-13.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-12.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p>Sabbia - Moving along quickly with a lot of the exterior finishes completed and decorative woodwork being installed. The job site continues to go full on. Considering the scale of this project, the progress is dramatic.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-33.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-31.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-30.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-27.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-28.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=2792848&amp;ShowCompact=false&amp;Preview=true&amp;new=false&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE" title="Heliko Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Heliko</a></strong> - Just getting started a block off of Coco Beach. Not much to see just yet, but I was surprised, given the economic climate, that they had commenced building at all! This is a nicely designed and well located complex and should sell quickly.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-23.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-22.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1924976&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Casa Blanca" target="_blank">Casa Bla</a><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1924976&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Casa Blanca" target="_blank">nca</a></strong> - Working on exterior and interior finishes. If you were thinking of buying a unit here, you may be out of luck. This new intimate residence concept&nbsp;with just a few spacious apartments seems to have struck a chord with buyers tired of seeing the same old giant complexes with dozens of&nbsp;cookie cutter units.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-3.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p>El Faro - Still chugging along. The exterior finishes and painting appear nearly complete, but the pool remains dry. Big signs up everywhere soliciting staff for the new restaurant &quot;Wicky&#39;s&quot;.<br /></p><p>&nbsp;<img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/ElFaro-008.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/ElFaro-010.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/ElFaro-001.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /><br />&nbsp;</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=2890911&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Acanto Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Acanto Condo-Hotel</a></strong> -&nbsp; Lots of action on site and moving along well. This project has such a pretty design and we are looking forward to its completion.<br /></p><p><img alt="Real Estate in Playa del Carmen" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/Acanto-002.jpg" title="Real Estate in Playa del Carmen" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/Acanto-004.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/Acanto-005.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /> <br /></p><p>CostaFina - Looks to be very much in keeping with the design of Liv-Blue just next door. The advantage CostaFina will have is the width of the building. Liv-Blu has always felt a little tight inside. They are anticipating delivery in December 2009. I see no reason why they would miss that goal. <br /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/CostaFina-001.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/CostaFina-002.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/CostaFina-006.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p>Zaphira - After months and months of inactivity, building has resumed. A small crew was on site working on the condos. Still no takers in the retail spaces.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-24.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-25.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" />&nbsp;</p><p><br />The Building Loft II has also resumed construction. There were just a few guys on site but as least something is going on.<br /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-9.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Esatte" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-11.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Esatte" width="480" /><br /><br />Kuuk Plaza or whatever they are calling it now. I am guessing that this stalled project was sold outright and is now under new ownership. An office has been set up in one of the locales and I will try to stop down again during business hours to see what&#39;s up.<br /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-18.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/PlayadelCarmenConstructionUpdate-20.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p>In related construction news: In Fashion Hotel is now open for business.....<br /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/InFashion01-003.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p>....and they are feeling so confident, they are building another In Fashion Hotel on the corner of Ave. 10 and calle 12. <br /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/InFashion02-002.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Next to Playalingua on Calle 20, another new hotel is going up fast. The workers claim it will be called Hotel Playa del Carmen. I will try to confirm this info.<br /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/May%202009/HotelNextPlayaLingua-001.jpg" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p>That&#39;s all for this month. I like getting all of your comments and requests, so keep them coming. Look for another update in July.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Looking for Real Estate in Playa del Carmen?</p><p>Visit our website www.BuyPlaya.com.</p><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=45015088411&amp;success#/pages/Playa-Del-Carmen-Mexico/BuyPlaya-Playa-del-Carmen-Real-Estate/48374333130?ref=ts" title="BuyPlaya on Facebook" target="_blank"><strong>Click here to become a fan of BuyPlaya on Facebook!</strong></a></p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=471330" width="1" height="1">Real EstateBuyer InformationPlaya del Carmen Real EstateInvestingDevelopment Playa del Carmen BuildingHotels2009Playa del Carmen Construction Update March 2009http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2009/03/27/playa-del-carmen-construction-update-march-2009.aspxFri, 27 Mar 2009 18:29:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:445007Rob Kinnon5http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/445007.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=445007http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=445007<p>Better late than never, here is the most recent set of construction photos from various projects of interest going up&nbsp;in Playa del Carmen. While sales are definitely down from last year, I was pleasantly surprized to see that most of these job sites were a buzz with activity and moving ahead at a steady pace. The notable exceptions in this grouping are Blume and Azulea, neither of which has made any movement at all. The &quot;Most Progess Award&quot; goes to Acanto and El Taj Beachfront both of which seem to be moving along quickly.</p><p>Sabbia is an enormous undertaking, so sometimes it&#39;s hard to see the progress. If you look closely, you can see the&nbsp;masons smoothing the exterior of the buildings. It&#39;s starting to shape up nicely but because of the scope of the project, they still have a long road ahead. </p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdate03.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdate01.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Doca is the newest undertaking by the developers of Akoya, Deva, Arena and Haab, all of which have been successfully completed and delivered. Based on our personal and professional experiences with this developer, this project will be at the top of our watch list. They put out beautifully designed and well constructed projects that we are happy to present to our customers. Plus, they&#39;re just so darned nice to deal with. How refreshing.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdate19.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdate14.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Just down the street, there is still no movement at The Loft II. I hope they are making money on the advertizing space.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdate21.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Here&#39;s a interesting project that we will be watching closely. Maanuj is an eco-friendly building designed to be as energy efficient as possible. As you can see the shell is built and the supports for the verticle gardens are being attached. </p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdate12.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p>And practically next door we have Sandokan,&nbsp;the next offering from the developer of Lotus, Casa Blanca and The Shailly.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdate10.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>A block south of Constituyentes and a block from the beach, Acanto Concominiums are really starting to make some headway. </p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates02.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates01.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Just around the corner, Maya Villas is complete and looks gorgeous. There are just a few units remaining available. This should be a big hit for investors looking for vacation rental income.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates04.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>A few blocks away, down on the beach, the same development/design team is building El Taj Beachfront. This project has really jumped up in the past few months and no doubt, they are shooting for delivery before next high season.&nbsp;With a much grander scale, El Taj&nbsp;will be even more stunning than Maya Villas when it is complete.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates06.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates07.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates11.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p>Ooops. How did this beach shot slide in there?&nbsp; ;)</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates12.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Work on the edifices for El Faro continues while a suspension has been placed on the imposing wooden boardwalk. Today was a windy one and the waves came within just&nbsp;two meters of the structure. Sunbathers braved the blustery weather in a single file line down the beach.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates16.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates17.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates2-2.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates2-1.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /><br />I&#39;m surprized they didn&#39;t just knock it down to get the view.</p><p>A quick stroll down the beach and up Calle 6 brings us to the future sight of Azulea. No progress to report here, I&#39;m afraid. Investors loking for a property that will bring returns in the next holiday season must look elsewhere, I&#39;m afraid. When this project is completed, it&#39;s location and attractive design&nbsp;is sure to attract vacation renters in the thousands.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates27.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/PlayadelCarmenRealEstateUpdates2-3.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p>If you are looking for a real bargain, something you can buy and move into today or start accruing rental income on immediately, Only four blocks from the beach, in the heart of downtown, Encanto is the best deal in Playa right now. With spacious, airy&nbsp;two bedrooms starting at just $144K, the remaining units will not last long.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/StreetView-modded01-800.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/March%202009/w475h3562.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Well, that&#39;s all for this edition. We&#39;ll be back in May to check in on the progress being made around town. As always, I am happy to take requests for updated construction photos. If you have any questions about the properties shown above or if you are curious about current investment opportunities, visit our website <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/">www.BuyPlaya.com</a> or call Rob&#39;s U.S. skype line directly at 518-632-1116.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=445007" width="1" height="1">Real EstateFor SaleBuyer InformationPlaya del Carmen Real EstateCondominiumsDevelopment Playa del Carmen Building2009Playa del Carmen Construction Update - January 2009http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2009/01/09/playa-del-carmen-construction-update-january-2009.aspxFri, 09 Jan 2009 11:30:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:406436Rob Kinnon14http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/406436.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=406436http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=406436<p>We are back from a short holiday break with a fairly extensive update of the various residential construction projects going on in and around Playa del Carmen. The economic slump in the U.S. is definitely having an effect on the sales climate down here. Last year, at this time, we were selling luxury beachfront condos hand over fist. This year, the Buyers are still here, they&nbsp;have just&nbsp;tightened their spending belts. Developers with projects in the range of $200K - $300K are seeing&nbsp;the bulk of&nbsp;the action. So, it&#39;s good news for some, not so good for others. Many projects are reaching completion. Others are delayed. It seems that a few have come to&nbsp;a complete standstill. People are definitely starting to see the value in smaller boutique properties set off of the beach a few blocks. Let&#39;s take a look at what&#39;s going on in Playa: the good, the bad and the ugly.</p><p>First up is Papaya, now 100% complete and making deliveries. This is a smaller complex&nbsp;right in the middle of downtown Playa del Carmen,&nbsp;just 4 blocks from the beach. The interior finishes are clean and modern.&nbsp;The project features a pretty lap pool surrounded by tropical plants and a large jacuzzi on the roof overlooking Playa and out to the Caribbean.</p><p><img alt="Papaya Condominiums in Playa del Carmen" height="308" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Papaya/Papaya-05JAN09-010.jpg" style="width:480px;height:308px;" title="Papaya Condominiums in Playa del Carmen" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Papaya/Papaya-05JAN09-005.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Papaya/Papaya-05JAN09-056.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Papaya/Papaya-05JAN09-051.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Papaya/Papaya-05JAN09-063.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Papaya/Papaya-05JAN09-074.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Papaya/Papaya-05JAN09-083.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1816982&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Habita Listing Details on BuyPlaya" target="_blank">Habita</a> is 100% complete and nearly sold out. Very modern, almost minimalistic in style, this project is chic yet inexpensive. Located in the north end, 6 blocks off of the beach, this well priced building is ahead of the curve for this up and coming neighborhood, assuring good appreciation.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Habita/CIMG0782.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Habita/Habita-06JAN09-010.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p><img alt="Habita Condominiums Playa del Carmen" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Habita/CIMG0739.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Habita Condominiums Playa del Carmen" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Habita/CIMG0742.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Habita/Habita-06JAN09-025.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1670042&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Casa del Mar Listing Details" target="_blank">Casa del Mar</a> at Coco Beach is getting its finishing touches. The exterior looks great, the landscaping is in and taking hold&nbsp;and all of the streets surrounding this and <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1461239&amp;Preview=false&amp;TabID=1765330" title="The Elements Listing Details" target="_blank">The Elements</a> are now laid with pavers. They are close to delivery.</p><p><img alt="Casa del Mar Condominiums in Playa del Carmen" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20del%20Mar/D90-05JAN09-307.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Casa del Mar Condominiums in Playa del Carmen" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20del%20Mar/D90-05JAN09-324.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20del%20Mar/D90-05JAN09-344.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20del%20Mar/D90-05JAN09-322.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1788641&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="The Lotus Listing Details" target="_blank">The Lotus</a> will be the next project to reach completion from one of Playa del Carmen&#39;s most prolific developers. Each project, undeniably, is unique and always a departure from the norm. His attention to detail and his use of unusual materials make each property stand out from the crowd. We did a full tour of Lotus this week and were really impressed with the most of units.&nbsp;The ground level two bedroom we found dark and a bit claustrophobic in comparison to the other spacious airy apartments. The pool is still being completed as well as the water/element on the second level. The worksite was abuzz with activity, everyone hurrying to get this one buttoned up. A sign of the times, two of the 10 units (<a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1788641&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="The Lotus #3 Listing Detail" target="_blank">including the ground level flat</a>) are up for re-sale at a steep discount from a Buyer&nbsp;who needs to liquidate quickly. This could be an excellent opportunity to buy a nearly completed unit at less than pre-sale prices! Contact us for details on this one.</p><p><img alt="The Lotus Condominiums Playa del Carmen" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Lotus/Lotus.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="The Lotus Condominiums Playa del Carmen" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="The lotus Condominiums Playa del Carmen" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Lotus/TheLotus-06JAN09-015.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="The lotus Condominiums Playa del Carmen" width="340" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Lotus/TheLotus-06JAN09-036.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Lotus/TheLotus-06JAN09-043.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Lotus/TheLotus-06JAN09-056.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Lotus/TheLotus-06JAN09-063.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p>Next up is <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748462&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Haab Condominiums Listing Details" target="_blank">Haab</a>, another stylish, well made&nbsp;project from one of Playa&#39;s well reputed developers. The popular Coco Beach/Shangri La location paired with reasonable pricing has brought a lot of Buyers to their door. The unusual lines and materials used on the exterior, really make you stop and look twice. They are planning to be complete in 5 weeks. Sorry about the sketchy &quot;sign-blurring&quot;. A girl&#39;s gotta make a living.</p><p><img alt="Haab Condominiums in Playa del Carmen" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Haab/HAAB-06JAN09-003.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Haab Condominiums in Playa del Carmen" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Haab/HAAB-06JAN09-015.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Haab/HAAB-06JAN09-018.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Haab/HAAB-06JAN09-024.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Haab/HAAB-06JAN09-012.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Haab/HAAB-06JAN09-049.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Next up, we&#39;ve got <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1924976&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Casa Blanca Listing Details" target="_blank">Casa Blanca</a>, a complete departure from the current norm in Playa. Rather than trying to cram in as many small units as possible into a project, the developer has chosen to build an in city &quot;townhouse&quot; with just four luxury residences, one per floor. The units will have a whopping 135 m2 (nearly 1500 sqft.) of interior space, practically unheard of in this market and at this price point. With large parcels in town getting harder and harder to come by, expect to see more and more of these smaller, more exclusive &quot;townhouses&quot; being built. Good news to those of us who would hate to see whole neighborhoods (and worse yet, previously protected green spaces)&nbsp;obliterated to make room for another giant condo complex.</p><p><img alt="Casa Blanca Residences Playa del Carmen" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20Blanca/CasaBlanca-06JAN09-020.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Casa Blanca Residences Playa del Carmen" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20Blanca/CasaBlanca-06JAN09-003.jpg" style="width:340px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="340" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20Blanca/CasaBlanca-06JAN09-015.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Casa%20Blanca/CasaBlanca-06JAN09-009.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>It seems no Construction Update would be complete without a mention of <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=893864&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Azul Fives Listing Details" target="_blank">Azul Fives</a>. However, with many Buyers now taking delivery and the resort due to be officially open in February, this may be one of our last photo updates. The new lobby and reception area is complete and lovely. The majority of the units have been completed and are being furnished and outfitted for occupancy. The beach club is almost done. The kids club area is complete. The tennis courts are in. The finishing touches and final plumbing is being done on the pool bars. At the beach club, the large infinity pool is beautiful and the one full service restaurant that is currently open is pretty, the food tasty and nicely presented. The staff are very definitely still working through the training phase to get up to Karisma&#39;s exacting standards. The other restaurants are working steadily toward completion however, it appears the majority of the work force is concentrating their efforts on the enormous spa. The Buyers we toured the site with this week were very pleased with the progress and excited about their investment. You can expect to see more pictures of the beach club in upcoming entries. It will be open to the public and you can be sure, we will be back!</p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009004.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009126.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009015.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009047.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009054.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009065.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="354" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009124.jpg" style="width:481px;height:354px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="481" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009123.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Azul%20Fives/AzulFivesJan62009059.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>OK, now let&#39;s move on to some of the projects that seem to have lost stream or halted construction all-together. I don&#39;t imagine this is going to make me very popular with several developers. Sorry guys. I promise to be back when&nbsp;they&#39;re well under way and&nbsp;looking beautiful!</p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1507458&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Blume Listing Details" target="_blank">Blume</a>. We love the innovative designs they have proposed, but so far, all we have is a bad water feature&nbsp;to show. </p><p><img alt="Blume Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="340" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/Blume/D90-05JAN09-201.jpg" style="width:480px;height:340px;" title="Blume Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>The Loft II has been temporarily delayed, construction halted. A victim of these new, more&nbsp;tentative market conditions, the developer still has unsold units in The Loft I. </p><p><img alt="The Loft II Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/others/TheLoftIIPlayadelCarmen021-1.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="The Loft II Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Zaphira appears to be dead in the water. It has been months since I have seen any activity on the job site. Today, I noted that the sales van was gone and the only signage was for rental of the commercial spaces. It appears one had found&nbsp;a tenant as they were working inside when I came by. No work was being done on the rest of the units. Too bad. This great 5th Avenue location, next to the famous Cueva del Chango and just a few moments from Shangri La beach should have made it a homerun!</p><p><img alt="Zaphira Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/others/ZaphiraPlayadelCarmen0191.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Zaphira Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/others/ZaphiraPlayadelCarmen0192.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/January%202009/others/ZaphiraPlayadelCarmen0194.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Well, that&#39;s about enough for this month. As always, I am happy to go out and drive around taking pictures on request. Feel free to send me an email or just leave a comment on the blog. I hope all of you have had a Happy Holiday season with your families and friends. Let&#39;s all look forward to an exciting&nbsp;and economically prosperous 2009!!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=406436" width="1" height="1">Market ConditionsFor SaleBuyer InformationPlaya del Carmen Real EstateLuxury Real EstateCondominiumsMayan Riviera InvestingDevelopment Beachfront Playa del Carmen Building2009Playa del Carmen Construction Update - November 2008http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2008/11/11/playa-del-carmen-construction-update-november-2008.aspxTue, 11 Nov 2008 22:00:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:382659Rob Kinnon11http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/382659.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=382659http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=382659<p>The high season for vacation rentals is nearly upon us and several developers are putting the finishing touches on their projects while some seem to be a bit behind. This entry&nbsp;should be of as much interest to those of you who have booked&nbsp;one of these&nbsp;condominiums for your holiday vacation as to those of you who have invested in these properties. Some of you have asked why we show some of the same properties in every installment. The reason is two-fold. First we show the properties where many of our customers have invested. The other properties are shown by request from our readers. If there is a project you would like to see represented in these updates, just let me know!</p><p>The star of the show this year, <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=893864&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Azul Fives in Playa del Carmen at Xcalacoco Beach" target="_blank">Azul Fives in Xcalacoco</a>, is exceding all expectations. We toured the property again this week with Buyers looking to pick up&nbsp;an additional&nbsp;unit and we were just blown away. Take a look for yourself! Are we looking forward to Phase 2 of this resort project? Yes, yes we are.</p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="329" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/TheFives05Nov08-033.jpg" style="width:480px;height:329px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" />&nbsp;</p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="333" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/TheFives05Nov08-011.jpg" style="width:480px;height:333px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/TheFives05Nov08-039.jpg" style="width:360px;height:480px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="360" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="326" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/TheFives05Nov08-060.jpg" style="width:480px;height:326px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="328" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/TheFives05Nov08-079.jpg" style="width:480px;height:328px;" title="Azul Fives Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748425&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Akoya Condominiums in Playacar Phase 2" target="_blank">Akoya, in the Pakal enclave of Playacar Phase 2</a>,&nbsp;has reached completion and looks great inside and out. This is a developer we have been very pleased with and will follow with interest in the future. The quality of the finished product is excellent and the level of professionalism shown by their sales and administrative teams&nbsp;is refreshing.</p><p><img alt="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="331" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Akoya01Oct002.jpg" style="width:480px;height:331px;" title="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="328" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Akoya01Oct001.jpg" style="width:480px;height:328px;" title="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Akoya01Oct039.jpg" style="width:360px;height:480px;" title="akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="360" /></p><p><img alt="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Akoya01Oct005.jpg" style="width:360px;height:480px;" title="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del carmen Real Estate" width="360" /></p><p><img alt="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Akoya01Oct022.jpg" style="width:360px;height:480px;" title="Akoya Playacar Phase 2 Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="360" /></p><p>Several&nbsp;downtown projects by the Akoya developer are coming together quickly in the Shangrila/Coco Beach area of Playa del Carmen. <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748462&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Haab in Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Haab</a>, <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748306&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Deva in Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Deva</a> and<a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1803024&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Arena Condominiums in Playa del Carmen" target="_blank"> Arena</a> are all either complete or close to completion. Well priced units are still available.</p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748306&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Deva in Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Deva Condominiums</a></p><p><img alt="Deva Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="320" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Deva11Nov08-014.jpg" style="width:480px;height:320px;" title="Deva Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Deva Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="299" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Deva11Nov08-003.jpg" style="width:478px;height:299px;" title="Deva Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="478" /></p><p><img alt="Deva Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Deva11Nov08-004.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Deva Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748462&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Haab in Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Haab Condominiums</a></p><p><img alt="Haab Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Haab11Nov08-002.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Haab Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Haab Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Haab11Nov08-005.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Haab Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Arena</p><p><img alt="Arena Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Arena11Nov08-009.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Arena Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Arena Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Arena11Nov08-013.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Arena Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>Just a few hundred meters away, right on Playa del Carmen&#39;s beautiful Coco Beach, <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=886092&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="The Elements Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">The Elements</a> and <a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1670042&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Casa del Mar</a> are also nearing completion, putting finishing touches on exterior elements, pools and landscaping. </p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=886092&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="The Elements Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">The Elements on Coco Beach</a></p><p><img alt="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Elements11Nov08-013.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Elements11Nov08-017.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Elements11Nov08-030.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Elements11Nov08-028.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Elements11Nov08-065.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="The Elements Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1670042&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Casa del Mar in Playa del Carmen" target="_blank">Casa del Mar on Coco Beach</a></p><p><img alt="Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/CasaDelMar11Nov08-003.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/CasaDelMar11Nov08-005.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/CasaDelMar11Nov08-004.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Casa del Mar Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>From the same developer as Casa del Mar, Rioja is a reasonably priced residencial development at the quiet, far side of Playacar Phase 2. It is a mix of townhomes and condominiums. This is a nice option for a young family making the move to Playa del Carmen. The area is safe and quiet yet just a few minutes drive to downtown Playa and the beach!</p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Rioja11Nov08-011.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="322" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/Rioja11Nov08-005.jpg" style="width:478px;height:322px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="478" /></p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/RiojaExteriorOct08-013.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/RiojaExteriorOct08-007.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/RiojaInteriorOct08-012.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/RiojaInteriorOct08-022.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/RiojaInteriorOct08-005.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/RiojaExteriorOct08-014.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Rioja Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>And finally, by request, El Faro Condominiums in downtown Playa del Carmen. It seems they have completed many of the units in some sections but&nbsp;parts of the complex remain unfinished. Fingers crossed, the common areas will be completed and&nbsp;any heavy (loud) construction will be done by the Christmas/New Years holidays.</p><p><img alt="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/ElFaro11Nov08-017.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/ElFaro11Nov08-003.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/ElFaro11Nov08-019.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/ElFaro11Nov08-011.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/November%202008/ElFaro11Nov08-007.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="El Faro Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p>So there you have it. This is where we are in mid-November 2008. What would you like to see for the next update? </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=382659" width="1" height="1">Real EstateBuyer InformationPlaya del Carmen Real EstatePlayacarLuxury Real EstateCondominiumsInvestingPlaya del Carmen 2008BuildingConstruction Update - September 2008http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2008/09/26/construction-update-september-2008.aspxFri, 26 Sep 2008 14:04:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:363702Rob Kinnon3http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/363702.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=363702http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=363702<p>In anticipation of high season and the promised delivery dates of many projects, builders have been kicking it into overdrive to meet their deadlines. Lots of progress to show in this photo report. As always, click on the name of the project to see even more current photos,&nbsp;specific sales and pricing information.</p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=886092&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate The Elements at Coco Beach" target="_blank">The Elements</a>&nbsp;- Last year&#39;s biggest seller is feeling the pressure from the U.S. economic slump. Sales have slowed but the well funded developer is&nbsp;pressing ahead and they are on schedule to deliver in time for this high season. This property promises to be a very popular vacation rental option.</p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008001.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008007.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008006.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008010.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1670042&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Playa del armen Real Estate Casa del Mar at Coco Beach" target="_blank">Casa del Mar</a>&nbsp;, also located on Coco beach, just south of the Elements, is also moving along well.</p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008019.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008029.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008032.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748306&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Deva" target="_blank">Deva</a>&nbsp;- Chunky on the outside, cool and funky on the inside. This well priced property is just a few moments walk from Coco Beach and is selling well. We were very impressed with the units and the view from the rooftop infinity pool is lovely.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Deva" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008132.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Deva" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008052.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008076.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008077.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008070.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008096.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1803024&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Arena" target="_blank">Arena</a>&nbsp;is just next door to Deva and nearly complete.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008036.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><img height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008104.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008110.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748462&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Haab" target="_blank">Haab</a>&nbsp;- Moving along quickly this stylish project has been very popular this year.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Haab" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008135.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Haab" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Haab" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008048.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Haab" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Haab" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/ConstructionUpdateSept2008049.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Haab" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=1748425&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya in Playacar" target="_blank">Akoya</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;This well priced, attractive project in the desirable gated neighborhood, Pakal, is nearing completion. With its golf course location&nbsp;and a membership to the exclusive Hacienda Real Club and Spa to sweeten the deal, these condos&nbsp;have been moving&nbsp;quickly.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/Akoya3.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/Akoya6.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/Akoya8.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" height="480" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/Akoya7.jpg" style="width:350px;height:480px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" width="350" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/Akoya9.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Akoya" width="480" /></p><p><a href="http://www.buyplaya.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?ListingID=893864&amp;Preview=False&amp;LastTabIndex=0&amp;BackEmailID=-1&amp;BackEmailTypeID=NONE&amp;ShowCompact=true" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives in Xcalacoco" target="_blank">Azul Fives</a>&nbsp;is this year&#39;s big winner and already booking up for the winter holidays. Lucky investors who got in at the first round of pricing are looking forward to taking delivery. There are still a few well-priced units to be had. With the residences and pools almost completed, construction is now well underway on the resort&#39;s beach club and restaurants.</p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/TheFives07SEP08-015.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/TheFives07SEP08-016.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/TheFives07SEP08-028.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/TheFives07SEP08-058.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/TheFives07SEP08-045.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" width="480" /></p><p><img alt="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" height="350" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Construction%20Updates/September%202008/TheFives07SEP08-042.jpg" style="width:480px;height:350px;" title="Playa del Carmen Real Estate Azul Fives" width="480" /></p><p>That&#39;s all for now. Keep emailing me your requests and we will do our best to get around to them all!</p><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=363702" width="1" height="1">Real EstateBuyer InformationPlaya del Carmen Real EstatePlayacarLuxury Real EstateCondominiumsInvestingPlaya del Carmen 2008BuildingAk Lu’um International School Opens Their New Jungle Campus in Playa del Carmen! http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/archive/2008/08/21/ak-lu-um-international-school-opens-their-new-jungle-campus-in-playa-del-carmen.aspxThu, 21 Aug 2008 19:46:00 GMT14a763be-f740-46b4-a9dd-f83ef9d28be2:347518Rob Kinnon3http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/comments/347518.aspxhttp://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/commentrss.aspx?PostID=347518http://www.buyplaya.com/blogs/rob_kinnon/rsscomments.aspx?PostID=347518<span style="font-size:9pt;color:#666666;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="82" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/86322422.gif" style="width:276px;height:82px;" width="276" />&nbsp;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">After a very successful second year in their temporary Campestre home, Ak Lu&rsquo;um International School inaugurated their beautiful new and permanent jungle campus with a well attended Open House. A small ceremony of was performed to give thanks and bless the new school site as the Ak Lu&rsquo;um teachers and students launch into a new year of learning and exploration. Teachers and administrators were all in attendance to greet returning parents and students and tour them through the new installations. The new campus, with its spacious and airy classrooms, will accommodate up to 80 students, ages 2 through 10. The Open House drew quite a few new Playa families investigating education options for their young children and welcomed back returning students, excited to embark on an exciting new year. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="288" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/5846839b.jpg" style="width:464px;height:288px;" width="464" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="342" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/f1dec208.jpg" style="width:231px;height:342px;" width="231" />&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="343" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/66e8d7cf.jpg" style="width:230px;height:343px;" width="230" />&nbsp; </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">Established in 2006, Ak Lu&rsquo;um (Mayan for &ldquo;Our Earth&rdquo;) adopts a <em><a href="http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/" title="About Waldorf Education" target="_blank">Waldorf </a></em>inspired learning program thoughtfully blended with a <em><a href="http://www.ltta.ca/" title="About Learning Through the Arts" target="_blank">Learning Through the Arts</a></em> educational model. The school was created to address the needs of our rapidly growing and diverse community with an emphasis on recognizing and celebrating our children&rsquo;s differences rather than forcing them to conform to any preconceived models. Accommodating students from all over the world and from all socio-economic levels, Ak Lu&rsquo;um is truly unique in its integration of special needs children into mainstream classrooms as well as social integration of underprivileged children attending the school on scholarship, thus teaching children to be tolerant and open-minded. With a maximum of 15 children in any classroom, the student to teacher ratio is kept low, ensuring that each child is given the personalized attention they deserve as they blaze their individual educational path. Ak Lu&rsquo;um is fully accredited by <a href="http://www.sep.gob.mx/" title="Secretaria de Educacion Publica en Mexico" target="_blank"><em>SEP</em> </a>with an eye toward becoming an <a href="http://www.ibo.org/" title="International Baccalaureate World Schools" target="_blank"><em>International Baccalaureate (IB) School</em>,</a> a designation lauded worldwide.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">The global vision of Ak Lu&rsquo;um is reflected not only in the teaching methodology but also in the design of the new campus. Designed to blend with its jungle surroundings and constructed using as many natural and sustainable materials as possible, the campus reflects the school&rsquo;s emphasis on non-invasive living to reduce our carbon footprint, preserve our natural resources and protect our environment. Some traditional Mayan building techniques have been employed in the &ldquo;village like&rdquo; layout, the construction of the school buildings and perimeter fencing, celebrating the enduring culture of the indigenous peoples of this region. The new campus is completely &ldquo;off the grid&rdquo;, relying only on wind and solar power to provide what electricity is necessary for daily functions. <span>&nbsp;</span>Water is pumped in from underground cenotes and waste is collected and treated without adverse affects to the delicate water table. These ecologically friendly systems, in coordination with onsite composting and recycling, show the children how to live in harmony with nature and teach valuable living skills that are imperative if we are to minimize our impact on the sensitive ecology that surrounds us. <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="346" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/422e674f.jpg" style="width:239px;height:346px;" width="239" />&nbsp;<img height="346" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/c6b1350b.jpg" style="width:224px;height:346px;" width="224" /><br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">Ak Lu&rsquo;um is a truly bilingual school, with half of the school day (SEP curriculum) being conducted in Spanish and the other (Waldorf studies) in English. In coordination with their traditional government mandated SEP studies, students will also participate in activities such as raising chickens and harvesting eggs, maintaining a kitchen garden, preparing school meals, bread making, and jungle exploration, not only rounding out their educational experience but enriching their hearts , minds and bodies. Seasonal celebrations, fairy tales, art, music and creative movement are all used to teach both traditional and alternative learning concepts in a meaningful way that the children will absorb naturally and remember. The school will offer workshops for all parents throughout the year to help them integrate family activities at home with what the children are studying at school and </span><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">emphasizing the importance of &ldquo;leading by example&rdquo;. <br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="310" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/bd345a99.jpg" style="width:465px;height:310px;" width="465" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><br /><img height="375" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/00310297.jpg" style="width:234px;height:375px;" width="234" />&nbsp;<img height="375" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/a7c3ff6d.jpg" style="width:228px;height:375px;" width="228" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;">&nbsp;</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">Ak Lu&#39;um International School is Playa del Carmen&rsquo;s only non-profit private school, welcoming and encouraging support and participation from parents and other interested members of the community. Fundraisers will be organized throughout the school year to solicit donations for further development of the campus and classrooms. High on the wish list is the installation of a semi-Olympic swimming pool! Opportunities exist for those members of the community able to sponsor or co-sponsor a student whose family is not able to cover the cost of schooling. Families whose children are receiving these cherished scholarships are encouraged to contribute their time and personal resources to the school in return. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><strong><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">Registration for the Ak Lu&rsquo;um International School 2008-2009 school year is now open</span></strong><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">. Ak Lu&rsquo;um is located in the jungle on the west side of 307, just south of Palomar/Gotcha Family Entertainment Park, before the new Sindicado de Taxistas building. For more information, visit the school website <a href="http://www.akluum.com/"><span style="color:#c2d69b;">www.akluum.com</span></a> or email <a href="mailto:akluum@gmail.com"><span style="color:#c2d69b;">akluum@gmail.com</span></a> . School leaders Siobhan Bowers and Gaby Nunez will be happy to show off the new facility, explain the school philosophy and curriculum and answer any questions.<br /><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="145" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/c846b738.jpg" style="width:250px;height:145px;" width="250" />&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="149" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/1243515a.jpg" style="width:216px;height:149px;" width="216" /></span><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;"><span style="font-size:9pt;color:#c2d69b;font-family:'Lucida Sans Unicode','sans-serif';"><img height="294" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/de0697cd.jpg" style="width:153px;height:294px;" width="153" />&nbsp;<img height="294" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/dbc27340.jpg" style="width:152px;height:294px;" width="152" />&nbsp;<img height="294" src="http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh26/MicheleinPlaya/Ak%20Luum/014a5cc3.jpg" style="width:157px;height:294px;" width="157" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;line-height:normal;">&nbsp;</p></span><img src="http://www.buyplaya.com/aggbug.aspx?PostID=347518" width="1" height="1">AnnouncementsEventsCommunity Family Life2008SchoolsBuildingRecyclingComposting